Productivity and Profitability of Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) Influenced by Various Transplanting Dates and Mulches

A field trial was conducted to access the effect of transplanting dates and mulching on yield of tomato and nutrient status of soil. Among different dates of planting (5th November) recorded highest vegetative growth, yield attributes and total fruit yield; whereas it was vice-versa in case of 15th December planting. Among different mulch materials, black polythene showed significant effect on vegetative growth, yield and yield attributes. Marketable fruit yield (44.21 t/ha) was significantly higher in black polythene mulch compared to other mulch materials. Further, Nutrient status of soil after the harvest of crop was remarkably influenced. Higher values of available N (335 kg ha−1), P2O5(69 kg ha−1), K2O (353 kg ha−1) were noticed under the treatment of D1M1 (5th November and black polythene mulch). Further, the conjoint application of 5th November and black polythene mulch recorded the higher benefit: cost ratio of 2.05: 1.